$2m spirited proposal

Boutique distillery application for North Hobart site

A FORMER appliance sales and service centre in North Hobart could be transformed into a $2m boutique whisky distillery under plans by the same company that proposed building a new Hobart hospital on the Domain.

A development application has been submitted to the

Hobart City Council for partial demolition, alterations, signage and a change of use to resource processing, food services and general retail and hire for the site at 284 Argyle Street.

A planning report was prepared by JMG Engineering for what would be known as VSC Distillery for Melbournebased developers SolutionsWon

Pty Ltd. In recent years, SolutionsWon had floated the idea of building a new hospital near the Cenotaph on the Queens Domain, was behind the since-abandoned Richmond maze redevelopment and the bid for a $60m expansion at the Lenna of Hobart hotel.

The industrial North Hobart site would be redeveloped for use as a boutique whisky distillery with cellar door tastings and bar snacks, seating for up to 47 people and provision for patrons to buy food from one or two on-site food vans.

The plans say the majority of the existing building would be converted to accommodate the distilling and brewing equipment and product storage space. The proposed front of house operating hours are noon to 10.30pm Monday to Sunday.

“The business philosophy is to create a viable, sustainable business with minimal environmental footprint,” the planning report said.

“The anticipated target markets are tourists and residents who will be able to access the site via active transport modes including walking and cycling. Staff will also be encouraged to use such transport modes, with dedicated bicycle parking facilities provided at the rear of the building.”

The number of Tasmanian gin and whisky distilleries has boomed in the past 25 years. Public comment on the VSC Distillery application is open until August 27.